Ithaca College Women’s Rowing Secures Fifth Place at NCAA Division III Championships
WEST WINDSOR, N.J. – The stage was set at Lake Mercer for a thrilling showdown as the Ithaca College women’s rowing team wrapped up their season with an impressive fifth-place finish at the NCAA Division III Championships. Competing in the Grand Finals, both the Varsity Eight and Second Varsity Eight showcased their determination and skill on a beautiful Saturday morning.
Championship Overview
In a nail-biting competition, Tufts University emerged triumphant, claiming their second consecutive National Championship with a stellar performance that yielded 56 points. Williams College narrowly missed the top spot, finishing as the runner-up with 49 points. Wesleyan University secured a strong third place with 45 points, followed closely by Bates College with 44 points. The Ithaca Bombers, with a commendable score of 34 points, firmly held their ground against a competitive field of elite teams.
Highlights from the Races
Varsity Eight Highlights
Coxswain Caroline Hoskins led a formidable crew featuring athletes such as Lily Babcock and Emma Hammel. The Bombers battled fiercely but finished sixth in a time of 6:44.628, just 6.942 seconds off the winning pace. Tufts, racing from lane four, achieved victory with a dynamic time of 6:37.686, demonstrating their prowess with a remarkable performance.
Second Varsity Eight Showdown
The 2V8 lineup also exhibited resilience, featuring rowers like Hope Oliveira and Carys Owen. This crew engaged in a tight race against Wellesley College, who edged them out in a heart-stopping finish. Ithaca clocked in at 7:08.735, just a fraction behind Wellesley’s 7:08.413. Tufts again dominated this event, winning the Grand Final with a decisive margin of over five seconds, finishing at 6:47.335.
Conclusion and Looking Ahead
While the competition proved fiercely challenging, the lessons learned and experiences gained will undoubtedly fuel the Ithaca Bombers as they look towards future seasons. The future remains bright for this dedicated team, with their impressive performance at the championships a testament to their hard work and passion for the sport.
For detailed results from the NCAA Division III Championships, you can check them out here. Additionally, catch all the action from the second day of competition through the replay here.
The Ithaca College women’s rowing team has cemented its legacy this season, and fans eagerly await what is next for these remarkable athletes. Stay tuned for upcoming events and support your Bombers as they continue to strive for excellence!
